Owning a Bullmastiff can be a costly endeavor, but understanding the total cost can help you prepare. The purchase price of a Bullmastiff puppy can range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Food and treats are a significant expense, with Bullmastiffs eating around 10-12 pounds of food per week. This translates to $75-100 per month, depending on the quality and brand of food.
Veterinary care is another crucial cost to consider, with Bullmastiffs requiring regular check-ups and potentially expensive surgeries due to their large size. On average, a Bullmastiff's first year of vaccinations and care can cost around $1,500.
Bullmastiffs also require regular grooming, which can cost around $30-60 per session every 6-8 weeks.
Bullmastiff Size
A Bullmastiff's size can vary, but generally, males are around 25 to 27 inches in height.
Males typically weigh between 110 to 130 pounds.
The Cost of Ownership
You can expect to spend a minimum of £105 per month on your Bullmastiff after the initial purchase and setup costs. This amount can vary depending on your location and lifestyle.
Owning a Bullmastiff can cost upwards of £17,000 across their lifetime. This is a significant investment, but with the right care and attention, your Bullmastiff can bring immense joy and companionship.
On average, you'll likely spend $2,000+ per year on the necessities for your Bullmastiff. This includes food, vet bills, and other expenses.
Here are some of the ongoing costs you'll need to consider:
- Food
- Preventive healthcare, including annual check-ups, vaccinations, and regular flea and worming treatments
- Vet bills or pet insurance
- Accessories, such as lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys, and grooming accessories
Purchase and Care
Adopting an adult Bullmastiff from a rescue centre can be a more cost-effective option, with the added advantage of giving a home to a pet without one.
You'll need to factor in the purchase cost if you're buying a Bullmastiff puppy from a breeder, and be wary of unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. Look for a Kennel Club Assured breeder to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy.
Here are some initial set-up costs you can expect:
- Puppy vaccines will cost you, but reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you.
- Neutering will typically cost between 6-12 months old, though your vet will advise you exactly when is best.
- Equipment such as a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys will also need to be purchased.
On average, you'll likely spend $2,000+ per year on the necessities for your Bullmastiff's care.
Set-up
Set-up costs can add up quickly, but it's essential to think of them as an investment in your dog's health and happiness. You'll need to factor in the cost of puppy vaccines, which reputable centres may include in the adoption fee, but you'll still need to budget for ongoing booster vaccinations.
Neutering is another important expense, typically done between 6-12 months old, though your vet will advise on the best time. Check with your local vet for prices, as they can vary depending on your location.
You'll also need to stock up on equipment, including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes, and toys. These will need to be replaced over time as they wear out or get damaged.
Here's a rough idea of what you might expect to pay for some of these essentials:
- Collar and tags: £5-£10
- Lead: £10-£20
- Harness: £15-£30
- Dog beds: £20-£50
- Dog bowls: £10-£20
- Pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes: £5-£10
- Grooming brushes: £10-£20
- Toys: £20-£50
Purchase
Adopting a Bullmastiff from a rescue centre can be a cost-effective option, with many centres asking only for a donation for rehoming.
You'll need to factor in the cost of buying a Bullmastiff puppy from a breeder, and be wary of unusually cheap puppies that may come from a puppy farm.
Looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder is a good idea, as they must do extra health tests and meet high standards.
For another approach, see: Black Bullmastiff Puppies
Bullmastiff Health and Supplies
Bullmastiffs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so it's essential to budget for preventative care like glucosamine supplements, which can cost around $100/year.
Preventative flea and tick medication is also crucial, with prices ranging from $130 per year for ointments or medicated snacks.
A comfortable dog bed is a must, and you can expect to spend around $50-90 on a good one.
Bullmastiff Health Issues
Bullmastiffs are prone to certain health problems, including bloat, entropion, heart murmurs, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, and various bone diseases.
Some of the most common issues include bloat, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, and hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause arthritis and mobility problems.
Responsible breeders will screen their stock for these common health concerns, and pet insurance can help lower treatment costs.
Bullmastiffs are more likely to make claims for hereditary conditions, which is why pet insurance for them costs more than for mixed breed dogs.
Here's a breakdown of some common health issues and their costs:
While these costs can seem daunting, many of these conditions are easy to treat or manage if caught early by a veterinarian.
It's essential to work with a responsible breeder and keep your Bullmastiff up-to-date on preventative care, such as flea and tick medication, glucosamine supplements, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Pet Supplies
Taking care of your bullmastiff's grooming needs can be a significant expense. You can expect to pay $70–100 for a salon visit.
To save money, consider doing your bullmastiff's grooming at home by picking up some shampoo and nail clippers. This can be a cost-effective option.
Bullmastiffs require regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. With a little practice, you can learn to groom your bullmastiff at home.
Here's a breakdown of some estimated annual costs for pet supplies:
If you want to splurge on your bullmastiff's comfort and happiness, consider a BarkBox subscription. For $29/month, you'll get a premium package with two bullmastiff-proof toys, two treat bags, and two meaty chews.
Bullmastiff Information
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed, with males weighing up to 130 pounds and standing 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Bullmastiffs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, which can make them excellent guard dogs.
Their calm and gentle nature also makes them a great fit for families with children.
Bullmastiffs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be costly to treat.
They typically live for 8-12 years, which is relatively short for a large breed dog.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Full Grown Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix
Sources
- Sylvester Stallone (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- Gentle Giants Rescue (gentlegiantsrescue.com)
- Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Bullmastiffs (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Bullmastiffs | Embrace Dog Breed Library (embracepetinsurance.com)
- https://bullmastiff.us/health-rescue/#common-diseases-and-conditions (bullmastiff.us)
- American Bullmastiff Association, Inc. (bullmastiff.us)
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